Vail Local Guide, Part Two
Image Credit: Vail Daily
The area was formerly a sheep pasture up until 1939, when the development of Highway 6 began connecting Denver to the Gore Valley. During World II, the Army’s Tenth Mountain Division used Vail’s backcountry for survival training. Looking at it now, Vail has set the standard for 5‑Star accommodations, variety of terrain, & off-mountain activities that many try to emulate.
There’s never a shortage of on-mountain events to get involved with when visiting this world class resort. Vail’s Closing Day & Spring Back to Vail feature live concerts, pond skimming, an Expo Village, on-mountain luau, giveaways, and so much more. Everything kicks off in mid-December with Vail Snowdays, a four day festival featuring incredible apres deals, live concerts at the incredible venue Ford Park, on-mountain specials and after dark parties. The most popular and well known event that’s going to be taking place in Vail for the seasons to come is the Burton U.S. Open, bringing world class snowboarders and family-friendly experiences to this resort community. Additionally, there is no shortage of hangouts and places to warm up with a well deserved hot drink throughout the mountain. Many bring backpacks with fixings for burgers and dogs to claim a spot on the grilling patios scattered throughout the peaks of Vail. Enjoy good times with your family and friends while taking in incredible views of the Gore Range, but be sure to mark your territory early, especially on weekends.
Image Credit: Ski.com
Vail offers hundreds of shops, from boutiques to outdoor gear to art galleries. The shops of Vail sell everything imaginable, including high-end jewelry, fine art, ski boots and cowboy hats. The free in-town bus is a convenient way to get around if you are weighed down by shopping bags. One of the more unique offerings that visitors can do when in Vail is dog sledding. Not every resort has access to this activity, so take advantage of it when you can. Alpine Adventures up by Leadville is a great outfit since you’ll get to take a very peaceful and serene drive to get there. If you plan on spending some time in Steamboat hit up Mountain Mushers along the way. They have a private trail system with 2 hour rides in the morning and afternoon so you can do at least a couple activities during the day to maximize your vacation time.
Located in the Sonnenalp Hotel, Bully Ranch provides you with the classic western feel as soon as you walk through its doors. It offers the best brunch in town and you can bring the whole gang to enjoy the Southwestern and American menu. It offers classic mountain dining in cozy, rustic atmosphere. Believe or not it’s most famous drink on the menu is their mudslide so it’s highly recommended that you treat yourself. Another way to treat you and your loved ones is by taking advantage of the on mountain dining at The 10th. Overlooking the Gore Range, The 10ths name was inspired by the 10th Mountain Division. You can ski in and ski out or ride in on Gondola One. Root & Flower is a small, cozy lounge offering drinks only. You will have the best Vodka Tonic you’ll ever have with their custom and unique tonic they will never share even when you ask nicely. Zip right on up to Red Lion afterwards to enjoy a laid back atmosphere, the best chicken tenders in town and great live music. Something completely different for you and the family to do would be going to a Vail Yetis hockey game. Typically taking place on Friday and Saturday nights, this raucous atmosphere will get you behind the home team. Be sure to hit up Altitude Bar & Grill in the Evergreen Lodge for the post game drinks and wings with all the locals.
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